Volvo V60 review

Interior

Dashboard & tech

Inside, the V60 feels modern and uncluttered. Most of the car’s features are controlled through a 9-inch, portrait-style touchscreen which comes as standard on all models. It’s home to the satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth, and also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can use your smartphone apps on the big screen.

The system looks great but can be a bit fiddly to navigate while you’re driving. All models get cruise control, rear parking sensors and automatic LED headlights. Higher-spec versions add desirable features like a digital driver’s display, a head-up display and an upgraded sound system.

Comfort

The V60 is an exceptionally comfortable car. The seats are supportive, which is ideal for long journeys, and it’s easy to find the perfect driving position thanks to lots of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel. High-spec models even come with heated seats and a heated steering wheel for those frosty mornings.

The car has a relaxed feel on the road, smoothing out bumps and potholes effectively. It’s a quiet and refined cruiser, especially on the motorway, although models with the largest alloy wheels can feel a bit firmer and you might notice some wind noise at speed.

Quality

The interior of the V60 feels reassuringly premium. There are plenty of soft-touch materials used throughout the cabin, and it all feels very well put together. It has a minimalist Scandinavian design that looks and feels very different from its German rivals.

While the looks are subjective, the V60's cabin feels like a shrunken version of the one in the larger, more expensive V90 estate, which is a huge compliment. Inscription models even feature real wood trim, which adds to the high-end atmosphere.

Practicality & boot space

Interior space

The Volvo V60 is a very practical car with plenty of room for the whole family. There’s lots of head and legroom for those in the front, and passengers in the back are well catered for, too. Even taller adults will find they have enough space to get comfortable on a long trip. If you often carry adults in the back, it’s worth noting that models with the optional panoramic sunroof have slightly less headroom.

You’ll find two sets of Isofix child-seat mounts in the back, which makes fitting a seat straightforward. The door pockets are a decent size and there are cupholders between the front seats for your morning coffee.

Boot space

An estate car needs to be practical, and the V60 delivers. The boot is one of the largest in its class, offering 529 litres of space. That’s more than you get in rivals like the Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Series Touring and is easily enough for a big weekly shop, a couple of buggies or luggage for a family holiday.

The boot opening is wide and the floor is flat, which makes loading bulky items much easier. An electric boot lid is available on some models, which is a handy feature when your hands are full.

Versatility

To make room for larger items, the back seats fold down completely flat, opening up a huge 1,441-litre load area. This gives you enough room for things like flat-pack furniture or a trip to the tip.

The V60 has some clever design touches, too. You’ll find nifty storage solutions like hooks for your shopping bags and a divider that can be folded up from the boot floor to stop smaller items from rolling around.

Driving

Driving experience

The V60 prioritises comfort over outright sportiness. It’s a car designed to help you get to your destination feeling relaxed, rather than one for thrilling country road drives. The steering is light, which makes it easy to manoeuvre around town and to park, but it doesn’t give you much feedback.

It’s an excellent long-distance cruiser, feeling stable and serene on the motorway. For those who want something with a bit of off-road flair, the Cross Country model has a higher ride height and all-wheel drive, giving you extra confidence on slippery roads or muddy tracks.

Performance

There’s a good range of engines to suit different needs. The diesel engines (badged D3 and D4) are great for high-mileage drivers, offering strong performance and excellent fuel economy. The petrol engines (B3, B4, B5) are smooth and quiet, providing brisk acceleration when you need it.

For the best blend of performance and efficiency, the T6 and T8 plug-in hybrid models are fantastic. They can travel for a useful distance on electric power alone, making them very cheap to run on short journeys, and they are also impressively quick. Most V60s come with a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, though a six-speed manual was available on some earlier models.

Running costs

Fuel economy & CO2 emissions

The V60 can be a very efficient car, depending on the engine you choose. The diesel D3 and D4 models can officially achieve more than 60mpg, with CO2 emissions from just 117g/km. Petrol models are also reasonably economical, with the B4P version capable of returning up to 43.7mpg.

The plug-in hybrid models are the stars for low running costs, especially for company car drivers, thanks to their very low CO2 emissions. They can officially return more than 100mpg, though you’ll need to plug the car in regularly to get anywhere near that figure.

Value for money

The V60 offers good value for a premium car. While new prices are similar to key rivals, standard equipment is very generous. Even the entry-level Momentum models come with a large touchscreen with sat nav, automatic LED headlights, and a host of safety features. As a used car, it can be a fantastic purchase, often costing less than its German counterparts.

Reliability & Warranty

Volvo has a strong reputation for building solid, durable cars. The V60 feels well-made and should prove to be a dependable family car. From new, Volvo provides a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which is standard for the premium car sector.

Safety

Safety features

Volvo is famous for its focus on safety, and the V60 is packed with advanced technology to protect you and your passengers. It was awarded a full five-star safety rating when tested by experts at Euro NCAP.

All models come with City Safety, which is Volvo’s advanced autonomous emergency braking system. It can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, and can even steer the car to help avoid a collision. You also get lane-keeping assist and oncoming lane mitigation, which can steer the car back into its lane if it detects you’re about to have a head-on collision.

Trims & Engines

Trim levels

The V60 is available in several trim levels. The range starts with Momentum, which is very well-equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, sat nav, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. R-Design adds a sporty look with different bumpers, gloss black trim, larger alloys, and sports seats.

Inscription is the luxury-focused trim, adding leather seats, wood trim, and extra chrome details. Higher-spec ‘Pro’ versions of these trims were also available, adding features like a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and keyless entry. The Cross Country model has its own unique rugged styling, a raised ride height and all-wheel drive as standard.

Engines

You have a wide choice of engines with the V60. Diesel options include the 148bhp D3 and the 187bhp D4, both of which are 2.0-litre units. They offer a great combination of performance and fuel economy.

Petrol engines are badged with a ‘B’ and come with mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency. These range from the B3 up to the more powerful B5. For ultimate performance and efficiency, there are the T6 and T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid models, which combine a petrol engine with an electric motor. Most engines are paired with a smooth automatic gearbox.

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